Two Beaux and a Promise Collection Read online

  “What?” asked Georgiana, realizing she’d missed something.

  Richard smiled. “Once the guests are gone, you will borrow a cloak and bonnet from Emily, then leave, accompanied by Hawthorne. If Herriard is watching, he will think you are Lady Hawthorne leaving on your wedding journey.”

  “But—”

  “Don’t fret. The Hawthornes aren’t actually leaving until tomorrow. I will slip out the back, then follow. Once I’m certain Herriard isn’t behind you, Hawthorne and I will change places. He can return to his bride, while you and I go to Oakhaven.”

  “You needn’t accompany me. I appreciate the use of his estate, but I cannot trouble you further.”

  “Nonsense. Herriard will remain a threat until the court severs his guardianship. If this ruse does not work – and it might not, for he knows you are here, and he might know when Hawthorne plans to leave – then he will follow. Even if we escape him now, he might check Oakhaven when he discovers that Hawthorne remains in town. I must be there to protect you.”

  He was right. The very thought of Derrick finding her alone in the earl’s carriage made her stomach clench. Even Oakhaven would not be completely safe, for how could she trust the earl’s staff to turn away a lord who had a legal claim on her person?

  She reluctantly nodded.

  “Good. The housekeeper will bind your ankle and help you change. I will return when it is time to leave – we’ve been away from the guests too long already. In the meantime, eat. You’ve had nothing in hours and won’t have another chance for some time.”

  He slipped out. Hawthorne studied her a moment longer, then followed. But before the door latched, she heard him murmur, “At least this lame duck is better than the last one.”

  Lame duck? She shook her irritation away and turned to the plates on the desk. How could she have missed them? They were loaded with a vast array of delicacies the like of which she’d never seen before. Delectable aromas filled the room.

  But even fabulous food could not keep her mind from the Beaux. The future had never seemed so uncertain. Would Richard seduce her? And would it matter if he did? Even losing her virtue to a rake was better than staying with Derrick.

  Not that it would happen, she assured herself stoutly. The Beaux might have larger-than-life reputations, but no one had ever accused them of forcing a reluctant female. So as long as she remained reluctant, she would be safe.

  Her only fight would be against her own base nature, which wondered why every voice that mentioned his prowess held awe. She must not let this unexpected attraction grow. He had no reason to push her.

  Unless…

  But he did not know how large her inheritance was. She’d already made light of it. Since the business had gone to her father’s partner, he wouldn’t expect her to have anything beyond a reasonable dowry. If he ever found out otherwise…

  One more reason to remain aloof. She could not cope with another fortune hunter.

  — 3 —

  Richard peered out the window as the carriage drew away from the tollgate and moved briskly south. So far their escape had gone smoothly. He’d given the carriage a ten-minute head start before following, then examined every rider and vehicle he passed as he caught up. There was no sign of Herriard, who must still be watching Hawthorne House. Their ruse had worked.

  He hoped.

  Unfortunately, his machinations couldn’t guarantee safety. Herriard would play least in sight where there were witnesses. And he might suspect their destination. The man would have studied the Beaux during their years of animosity. Everyone in town knew about Oakhaven, for Jacob stayed there often, as did Richard. Scrutiny of their every move was the price the Beaux paid for notoriety.

  He bit back a sigh. There was no point in mentioning the possibility to Georgiana. She had enough problems as it was. Her ankle had to hurt like the very devil. Binding it had let her walk from door to carriage without limping, aided by Jacob’s arm around her shoulders. But she had been white-faced with pain by the time he and Jacob had traded places at the second tollgate. Now she sat on the facing seat, alternately biting her lip and staring out the window.

  Richard wished he’d kept his horse instead of turning it over to Jacob. Riding inside the carriage was torturing him. Georgiana was too attractive. He’d chosen the opposite seat because he’d feared that rubbing her with every jolt would severely test his control. What he hadn’t counted on was the effect of looking at her for four hours.

  The housekeeper had arranged her hair into soft curls that did interesting things to his libido. As did her current gown – a different one than she’d worn earlier. It might be unfashionable, but it stretched tightly across a stunning bosom, leaving him awash in sensation as his body recalled how perfectly she fit against him.

  “Have you given further thought to a new guardian?” he asked to avoid hauling her into his lap so he could he ravish those luscious lips.

  She shook her head. “The court will have to appoint someone. I have no suggestions.”

  “None?”

  “Think,” she snapped. “Few people know I exist. Even before Papa died, I spent most of my time with my governess. I’d barely recovered from his burial before Grandfather and my uncle died. Derrick kept me confined to the house, less visible even than his wife.”

  He nodded. “Now that I think on it, she never accepts invitations.”

  “Of course not. She must even deny callers.”

  “Why?”

  “Derrick’s orders. The house has not been redecorated in sixty years, so most of the furnishings are shabby. He refuses to waste money on it. Then there is the matter of fashion. Despite being a baroness, Margaret has a wardrobe no better than mine – simple gowns more suited to the working classes. Which proved fortunate in the end. Before I fled, I was able to don all of my gowns. Carrying a valise would have drawn attention.”

  He nodded, irritated that his investigations had revealed none of this information. Her words also explained why her bosom seemed more prominent than before. The borrowed valise under her seat must contain the rest of her wardrobe. “I will consider possible guardians. I know several men who might do.”

  “I doubt it. Aristocrats don’t soil their hands with merchants’ daughters.”

  “Wrong!” His temper snapped at yet another cut of a class she knew little about. “Hawthorne had a ward until recently. Her father was a soldier of no particular breeding, and her mother the bastard daughter of a whore. Yet he took her in and found her a decent husband. The only reason I won’t ask him to take charge of you is his marriage. He deserves privacy for a time. Nor can I ask my father. Not because of your background,” he added over her protest. “My mother’s health is failing. I doubt she’ll see Christmas. New responsibilities will hasten her demise.”

  “Oh.” She had the grace to look abashed.

  “Herriard’s behavior is not typical of the aristocracy,” he continued sternly. “Nor is Stagleigh’s. Most of us can’t stand either of them. Instead, remember your grandfather. I did not know him well, but he struck me as a reasonable and kindly gentleman.”

  “True.” She sighed. “But you must know that most of your peers consider themselves superior to merchants. Perhaps we should find my guardian outside the aristocracy. Even Grandfather admitted that my breeding would reduce my credit.”

  “Not necessarily. While there are a few sticklers who will frown, the fact remains that many ladies are in your position. Consider Lady Jersey, whose mother was a banker’s daughter. Yet she is an Almack’s patroness with the power to ostracize the highest in the land. As long as your manners conform, you should be fine. You mentioned a governess. Who was she?”

  “Miss Elizabeth Coburn, Sir Reginald Coburn’s youngest daughter.”

  Richard raised his brows.

  “Did you know him?”

  “Not personally, though I’ve heard the stories. He lost everything at cards, including his estate. Drunk, of course, though that is no excuse for
ignoring his duty. The shock drove him to his death.”

  “You are putting too nice a face on the incident. He wasn’t a greenling gaming away his allowance. He was a forty-year-old man responsible for his own extensive family, four tenant families, and a hundred employees. Family and friends had often urged him to protect his estate by entailing it, but he refused. Just as he refused to learn anything from earlier losses – except cowardice. His wife had been furious after the previous disaster lost all of her jewelry, so rather than tell her that they must leave their home, he shot himself. Miss Elizabeth found his body the next morning.”

  “Poor girl.”

  “She rarely spoke of it. And she was never openly bitter. She did her best to mold me into a lady.” She sighed. “Derrick turned her off the day Grandfather died. I’d always suspected he was cold, but that confirmed it. She would have starved if I hadn’t written a glowing reference and convinced Grandfather’s secretary to sign his name to it. It let her find a position with a squire in Hampshire. When Derrick discovered that we were corresponding, he burned her letters and forbade further contact. Never again was the post left where anyone else could see it.”

  “I’m liking Herriard less and less.”

  “He deserves it. But returning to your question, Miss Elizabeth came to us when I was five, so I had her for ten years. And Mother was quick to correct any mistakes. She died when I was fourteen.”

  “Good. Your training settles the matter. I will speak to Lady Inslip – my friend Charles’s mother,” he added when she frowned. “Once she agrees to present you, we can ask Inslip to stand as your guardian. A marquess will carry the day in court no matter what protest Herriard raises.”

  “You don’t know Derrick.”

  “I know Herriard very well. He’ll lose – not that it matters, for he won’t be able to bother you much longer anyway.”

  “Why?”

  “He is a cheat. I’ve been trying to catch him for years.”

  “Why? Cheating at cards isn’t illegal.”

  “True, but he would be banned from the clubs and dunned by his victims for recompense. The unpleasantness would probably drive him to the Continent. Not a satisfactory solution, but the only one available, at least until recently.”

  “What happened?”

  “He switched to fraud. I’ll be presenting evidence to Lords next week. In the meantime, the bishop will readily sever his guardianship. Fraud aside, the bishop is Inslip’s cousin.”

  She frowned. “That should work in my favor,” she agreed. “But I have no intention of letting Lady Inslip push me into society. I fully intend to set up my own establishment.”

  “We will discuss that later. For now, relax. In another hour we will stop for dinner. I can’t ask the Oakhaven staff to feed us without warning.”

  * * * *

  Georgiana laid down her fork and smiled. The food at the Yellow Oak was surprisingly tasty. Only the refreshments at Hawthorne House had been better – but they had been made for a wedding.

  “Delicious,” she said, wishing she had room for more. “Do all inns serve food like this?”

  Richard looked surprised. “Delicious? I would describe it as average myself. You have had a rough time of it, haven’t you?”

  “It is over.”

  He was opening his mouth to respond when a voice boomed outside the door. “Herriard! What are you doing so far from town?”

  Georgiana gasped as all the blood drained from her head. “How—”

  “Shhh!” Richard covered her mouth. He’d removed his gloves to dine, so his hand felt shockingly warm.

  “Looking for my cousin.” Herriard made his disgust clear.

  “I didn’t know you had a cousin.”

  “We don’t talk about it much. My aunt married a tradesman.”

  “Who?”

  “It doesn’t matter. The girl’s a thief. I’ve tracked her this far, but…” The voices faded as the men moved across the hall to the taproom.

  “Damn!” cursed Richard softly, dropping his hand.

  “Who was that?” she hissed.

  “Sir William Trent. He and Herriard are friends, though not close.” He pressed his ear to the door, then frowned. “Herriard must have spotted Jacob returning to Hawthorne House. And he will have noted the carriage outside.”

  “I have to leave.” She could barely choke out the words as her eyes searched frantically for another exit. Her thinking had been muddled in the church, but that was no longer true. Derrick was more devious than she’d thought. Branding her a thief gave him a huge advantage, for his oath alone would convince any court of her guilt. No one would accept a female’s word over a lord’s. Even worse, Richard would be prosecuted for helping her. Was that part of the plot? Derrick hated Richard. If he knew Richard meant to lay charges…

  Hopelessness nearly overwhelmed her.

  “Sit down and let me think.” Richard paced to the window and back.

  She sat, but her mind continued circling. She should have known that flight was useless. Unless she wed Stagleigh, Derrick would transport her for thef—

  Dear God, but she was stupid. Transportation wouldn’t help him. But convicting her of grand theft would see her hung. As next of kin, he could then claim her inheritance. She might have to throw herself at Stagleigh to escape death.

  She should have refused Richard’s help the moment she’d realized his identity. He might be heir to a title, but for now he was a commoner. Even his word would be suspect when set against a lord’s.

  “I’ve got it.” Richard’s voice startled her. “Stay here while I speak to the coachman.”

  “I can’t let you risk your reputation, or worse,” she said, shaking her head. “This changes everything. He will see me hanged.”

  “No.” He pulled her tightly against him, forcing her to meet his gaze.

  Frissons of electricity rampaged along her nerves, making her dizzy. Rake, indeed. One touch could melt lead.

  “You’ve done nothing wrong, Georgiana,” he swore. “I will not let him abuse you. And Fate is clearly on your side. Witness Sir William’s providential arrival. Gather your courage, my dear. I’ll be back in a moment.” He dropped a light kiss on her mouth and released her.

  Before she could respond, he was gone.

  Her lips tingled, muddling her thoughts. She could still feel his muscular form pressed against her. Was there really an alternative to Stagleigh or death?

  She couldn’t risk it. Nor could she believe anyone would risk his reputation – let alone his life – for a stranger. No man was that magnanimous. Richard must have an ulterior motive.

  The most obvious one was her inheritance. Many aristocrats had invested in her father’s ventures, to their benefit. And Richard admitted that he’d studied Derrick’s family. It was possible that he’d not recognized her in the church – she rarely left the house. But he would certainly have known her father’s name.

  That she didn’t want to believe he was driven by greed proved how dangerous he was. His charm was already affecting her. His every touch made her crave more. But succumbing to seduction played into his hands. Remaining with him also played into Derrick’s. So she must leave. Maybe she could escape, or maybe Derrick would win. But either way, she must go now.

  She limped to the door. As she reached for the latch, it opened.

  Richard shut the door behind him and glared. “Where are you going?”

  “I have to do this alone, Richard. Anyone who helps me risks prosecution. I couldn’t bear to harm you.”

  “You don’t trust me.”

  “It isn’t a matter of trust,” she insisted, cursing her delay. “I know Derrick. He won’t back down. Charging me with theft will supersede my petition to the bishop. Charging you with abetting a thief will prevent your presentation to Lords and might well see you transported.”

  “And what will he claim was stolen?” Arms akimbo, he glared – and blocked the door.

  “God knows. But his cla
ims will convince any court that I’m guilty. He’s a lord.”

  “I can produce a hundred lords who will testify that he is a liar and a cheat. I can also produce witnesses who will swear that he had nothing left to steal after last night’s losses, and that you took nothing but the clothes on your back when you escaped his house.”

  “You don’t know him.”

  Richard’s face hardened. “I know him. Too well. Now, enough of this. He and Sir William are sharing a tankard of ale. We must be gone before they finish. Give me your cloak.”

  “Why?”

  “It is leaving now. The bonnet, too.” He handed her a black cloak and a man’s hat.

  “What are you doing?” she demanded even as she passed him her borrowed garments.

  “One of Hawthorne’s grooms is about your height. He will climb into the carriage and leave.” A patterned tap sounded. Richard opened it to a man wearing the Hawthorne livery. “Here,” said Richard, draping the cloak around the man’s shoulders. He handed over the bonnet. “You know what to do.”

  The man tied the ribbons and left.

  “I don’t understand,” said Georgiana. Her head was swimming.

  “He now looks like you – that bonnet shields the face, which is why we chose it for you to begin with. The coachman will assist him inside, then address him by your name as he closes the door. They will continue to Oakhaven. The stable staff is too busy to watch closely, so they will remember only that a lady drove off alone in the Hawthorne carriage.”

  “But what about us? The landlord knows we are here. If we do not disappear along with the carriage, Derrick will find out.”

  He ignored her. “How is your ankle?”

  “It hurts.”

  “Can you walk a hundred yards without drawing attention?”

  “If I must.”

  “Good. You will slip out the back and follow the stream to the spinney around the hill. It is out of sight of the inn. I will hire a horse and return to London, having seen you safely on your way to Oakhaven. I’ll pick you up by the spinney.”